RW Challenger of the Week: Diane Meireis

Jul 29, 2011

Diane Meireis started running as a stress release while working in the aerospace industry. Now that she’s retired, she loves “the freedom to go just about anytime, just about anywhere.” And she does, running in the rain, running at 10,000 feet in Utah, and running while in training for the Long Beach Half-Marathon on October 9. She’s aiming for a 2:30 finish, and to complete the two other events in the series.|“Running is something that no one can do for you,” says Meireis. “You own it and can make it what you want.” Age: 66 Family: Married with a son and two grandchildren Occupation: Retired from the aerospace industry, in information security. I now teach indoor cycling, core, and healthy back classes at a local athletic club. Hometown: Henderson, Nevada RW Challenge Goal: I am training for the California Dream' Series, the first of which is Long Beach on October 9. I would like to finish in 2:30. I want to run the other two races in the series, and I want to run the two Disney events. What do you do when you’re not running? I love mountain-biking, hiking, and snow-shoeing, and I’m taking up cross-country skiing this coming winter. Occasionally, I go swimming and road cycling. I also recently bought trail-running shoes, because I’d love to get out of the congestion of the Vegas area and enjoy a quiet run exploring the hills. Experience: I have run off and on for many years but didn't take it seriously until about three years ago. I have run three half-marathons. In my mind, my personal best has not yet been met. I have run several 5-Ks and 10-Ks. My best 10-K was 1:04. How and why did you start running? I spent 33 years in aerospace, three years of which was spent in Saudi Arabia, 25 years of which was spent in information security telecommuting from my home base in California and then Nevada. I traveled often back and forth across the U.S., and running helped me get through the job-related stress. Three years ago my personal trainer asked me if I had ever thought of running in events. That was all it took. I started by running the Las Vegas Half-Marathon. What is the most challenging part of training? Dealing with the frustration of not accomplishing what I believe I should be able to do. Getting past being too hard on myself has been difficult. I had to learn to listen to my body more honestly. What’s the most rewarding part of training? Knowing by the end of the training I am really ready. What advice would you give a beginner? Don’t rush into distance. Train smart and listen to your body. What’s your favorite type of fuel? Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews. I carry them on every run and suck on one about every other mile. What’s your idea of a rave run? Any place with beautiful scenery that I can run that is away from where I live. What is your long-term running goal? I’d like to run at least three half-marathons in a year, followed by a full marathon. Favorite running book: Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall

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